Sei Young Kim Leads JM Eagle LA Championship
PUBLISHED Apr 17, 2026, 11:40 PM ET
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LOS ANGELES. Sei Young Kim shot a second consecutive 7-under 65 Friday at El Caballero to take a one-stroke lead in the JM Eagle LA Championship, the final event before the season's first women's major. Playing in the morning wave, Kim birdied two of the first three holes and added five birdies across a seven-hole stretch on the back nine. Los Angeles competitors Chizzy Iwai and Ina Yoon remained close on the leaderboard Friday, with Iwai following an opening 63 with a 68 and Yoon posting a 64, including a 7-under 29 on the back nine; tournament officials and players now prepare for the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday as the event concludes.
By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Iwai opened the tournament with a 63, taking the first-round lead.
- Ina Yoon posted a 64, including a 7-under 29 on the back nine.
- Kim shot her first 7-under 65 in an earlier round.
- Kim recorded a second straight 7-under 65 on Friday to move into the lead.
- Players prepare for the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday ahead of the season's first major.
News Intelligence
- This isn't just about golf. It's about witnessing top-tier talent in action. Sei Young Kim, Chizzy Iwai, and Ina Yoon are showing us what peak performance looks like. If you're into sports, or just love a good competition, tune in this weekend.
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Sei Young Kim benefited from consecutive 7-under 65 rounds, securing a one-stroke lead and heightened media attention heading into the LPGA's final pre-major event.
Chizzy Iwai and Ina Yoon lost ground relative to Kim despite strong rounds and will need stronger final rounds to reclaim the lead.
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Sei Young Kim Leads JM Eagle LA Championship
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